Côn Đảo

Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

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Côn Đảo is an archipelago consisting of 16 islands located in the Southeast region of Vietnam, belonging administratively to Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province. The islands lie about 185 kilometers from Vũng Tàu city and roughly 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Covering around 75 square kilometers, the largest island is Côn Sơn, which is mountainous and forested with pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity.

The area is known for its natural beauty, with coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs, and diverse wildlife. Historically, Côn Đảo was used as a penal colony during French colonial times, and vestiges of prisons remain today. Its tropical climate has distinct dry and rainy seasons, making it a quieter, less developed tourist destination favored for activities like snorkeling, diving, hiking, and turtle watching.

The archipelago also features a national park to protect its unique ecosystems and is accessible by air and sea.